ANALYSIS: Tom Pidcock's absence from cyclocross highlights Britain's strange lack of talent in cyclocross

Tom Pidcock confirmed today that he will not race cyclocross this winter, which is a notable absence for British cyclocross as its biggest name steps away from the field. The 24-year-old, a former Cyclocross World Champion, took to social media to explain his decision, citing the need to settle into his new environment with Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team after a late transfer from INEOS Grenadiers. While Pidcock remains committed to returning next season, his absence raises broader questions about the state of British cyclocross and highlights a missed opportunity for the sport to grow in the UK.

Pidcock's decision comes after a turbulent end to his time with INEOS Grenadiers. Despite a strong performance at the Giro dell’Emilia, where he finished second to Tadej Pogacar, his removal from the Il Lombardia squad signalled growing tensions within the team. His transfer to Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team was unexpected, and it’s clear Pidcock has prioritised stability as he prepares for a busy road season in 2025. Stepping away from cyclocross this winter allows him to focus on adapting to his new environment.

However, the news highlights a lack of depth with British cyclocross. Pidcock has long been the face of the discipline in the UK, offering rare moments of success and visibility for a sport that has failed to establish a solid foundation in the UK, and without him, the cracks in British cyclocross become even more apparent. Riders like Thomas Mein and Cameron Mason continue to fly the flag, but their efforts remain overshadowed in a nation far more interested in road cycling, mountain biking, and track cycling.

To understand why cyclocross struggles in Britain, it’s essential to look at where the sport thrives. Belgium and the Netherlands are synonymous with cyclocross and in these regions, the sport has a rich cultural heritage spanning generations. The Flemish countryside, with its muddy fields and short, steep inclines, provides the perfect battle grounds for cyclocross racing. Winter weekends see packed race calendars and enormous crowds, with fans braving the freezing temperatures to witness riders tackle brutal courses.

Cyclocross in these countries are up there in terms of popularity and television viewership with football, and local heroes like Sven Nys, Wout van Aert, and Mathieu van der Poel are household names, and their success has only strengthened the sport’s standing. Events are broadcast live on national television, and races attract tens of thousands of spectators, creating an electric atmosphere. Sponsors, recognising the passion and engagement, pour significant funding into the sport, ensuring its sustainability.

On the flip side, let’s take a look at the sport in the UK, where cyclocross struggles to replicate this environment. The UK’s winter weather and terrain are, in theory, ideal for cyclocross, but the infrastructure, organisation, and fan engagement are nowhere near the level seen in Flanders. While Belgium and the Netherlands celebrate cyclocross as a premier winter sport, in Britain, it remains a niche discipline. Events draw small crowds, media coverage is limited, and sponsorship opportunities are scarce, but why?

The struggles of British cyclocross can also be seen in the rankings, as Thomas Mein, a former national champion and silver medallist in the team relay at the 2023 World Championships, is currently the highest-ranked British rider in 28th position. At 25 years old, Mein competes for Hope Factory Racing and has shown promise, but lacks the high-profile backing or exposure that his Belgian and Dutch counterparts enjoy.

In the women’s field, there is of course Cat Fergurson. At just 18, Fergurson looks like she could be the real deal in multiple disciplines, and at the 2024 cyclocross championships she picked up a silver in the junior race and also in the mixed relay. Fergurson is one of the brightest talents in British cycling right now, and she picked up two golds on the track in the omnium and the team pursuit at the world junior championships earlier this year.

Cameron Mason, ranked 30th, is another key rider in British cyclocross. The two-time national champion rides for Alpecin-Deceuninck’s development team, and definitely has his fare share of talent and potential. However, beyond Mein and Mason, the talent pool begins to thin, Jenson Young, ranked 94th, is the next British rider on the UCI rankings. At 23, Young has shown glimpses of promise, but like many in British cyclocross, faces an uphill battle for recognition and resources that are essential to succeed.

What makes the situation more perplexing is that cyclocross is arguably the perfect spectator sport for Britain. Races are short, explosive, and easy to follow, making them far more accessible than long road races or endurance events. The combination of mud, obstacles, and technical skill creates drama and excitement, offering a unique spectacle for fans, and the UK certainly has the weather for thrilling races.

So it’s clear that on paper, cyclocross should thrive in the UK, but a lack of investment and cultural backing has stunted its growth.

The absence of Tom Pidcock this winter magnifies the challenges facing British cyclocross. Pidcock’s success has often been the sport’s saving grace, bringing brief moments of mainstream attention, and his World Championship victory in 2022 was a landmark moment, but it failed to spark significant growth in the discipline. Unlike in Belgium and the Netherlands, where young riders are inspired to take up cyclocross by local heroes, the UK has struggled to capitalise on Pidcock’s success.

One of the key reasons for this is the dominance of other cycling disciplines in Britain. Road racing has been the primary focus for British Cycling, driven by the success of riders like Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas, and Mark Cavendish over the past decade. Track cycling has also been a major priority, with Team GB’s superiority at the Olympics leading to significant funding and media coverage. Even mountain biking has grown in popularity, with Pidcock himself showcasing its value by winning the World Championship this year.

Cyclocross, meanwhile, remains the forgotten discipline, and truly is still a niche sport. Without the same level of funding, infrastructure, or fan engagement, it struggles to attract young talent or major sponsors, and events are often held on a smaller scale, with fewer opportunities for riders to compete at a high level.

For cyclocross to thrive in the UK, several changes are needed. First and foremost, the sport requires greater investment at the grassroots level, as building a strong domestic scene with well-organised events, clear pathways for young riders, and better financial support would provide the foundation for long-term growth. Initiatives to bring cyclocross into schools and local communities could also help to attract new participants.

Media coverage is another key area. In Belgium and the Netherlands, cyclocross races are treated as major sporting events, with live broadcasts and extensive analysis. In the UK, cyclocross rarely receives the same attention, but greater coverage of domestic and international events could help to raise the sport’s profile and show new fans exactly what they’re missing out on.

Tom Pidcock’s decision to skip the cyclocross season is understandable given his late transfer and the time he needs to gel with his new squad. However, his absence will be felt amongst British cycling fans, as there’s now very little chance that we will see any Brits towards the front of the field this season. In a country with ideal terrain, passionate cycling fans, and a proven appetite for cycling sports, cyclocross has all the ingredients to succeed.

Whilst British riders try and spot a gap in the rain, or find a bright enough day in the week to go for a ride, could they not instead switch to cyclocross for the winter, where the weather is one of the many aspects of a race?

Without greater investment, organisation, and cultural backing, cyclocross will remain a niche discipline. Belgium and the Netherlands have shown what cyclocross can achieve when given the right support, and there’s no reason why Britain couldn’t replicate that success.